Using inelastic α-scattering at extremely forward angles, including
0â, the strength distributions of the isoscalar giant monopole resonance
(ISGMR) have been measured in the 204,206,208Pb isotopes in order to
examine the proposed mutually enhanced magicity (MEM) effect on the nuclear
incompressibility. The MEM effect had been suggested as a likely explanation of
the "softness" of nuclear incompressibility observed in the ISGMR measurements
in the Sn and Cd isotopes. Our experimental results rule out any manifestation
of the MEM effect in nuclear incompressibility and leave the question of the
softness of the open-shell nuclei unresolved still.Comment: Accepted for publication in Physics Letters B. Very minor changes in
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